Nestled amongst the rolling hills of Scotland, Gartmore and its neighbouring villages played an all-but-forgotten, top-secret role in World War II. As the site of 25 A.S.D. (Ammunition Sub Depot), Gartmore became a hidden fortress of war, stockpiling colossal amounts of ammunition scattered across thousands of covert locations throughout its forests and estates - critical supplies that would later fuel Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings.
These immense logistical and covert operations ensured an unrelenting supply of firepower for the international war effort. But Gartmore was not just a depot of destruction - it was also a sanctuary. Under ‘Operation Pied Piper,’ waves of schoolchildren, fleeing the horrors of war, the looming Nazi bombing campaigns, and the Blitz, were evacuated to the safety of the village and surrounding areas.
Against this backdrop of displaced children's laughter and clandestine military operations, Gartmore became a battleground of resilience - where both weapons and hope were quietly being prepared for the fight to save Britain.
From recently discovered War Office secret diaries (declassified in 2024) to personal documents and oral histories, this talk - the culmination of eight years of research - will unveil this astonishing story as seen through the eyes of those who lived it, revealing the truly remarkable role Gartmore played throughout World War II.
Where possible we will update our listings to notify of cancelled, postponed and rescheduled events, however we STRONGLY ADVISE that you check with the venue/organiser in the first instance for updates.
All information (whether in text or photographs) is supplied in good faith but should not be relied upon as being a statement of representation or fact.GOT AN EVENT TO SHARE? It's free to post your events on What's On Stirling, click here to find out more!
Want to be the first to hear about what's happening in Stirling? Just hit 'Like' on our Facebook page, join the What's On Scotland Facebook Group and 'Follow' on our Twitter account and you're all set!Learn some fascinating facts about space then search the skies for constellations and planets at Mugdock Country Park.
READ MOREForth Valley Unity is excited to announce a fantastic lineup of events throughout Ramadan, leading up to Eid at the University of Stirling.
READ MORETom Bowser explores the past, present and future of kites in Scotland, & shares stories from the Argaty Red Kite project as part of Royal Scottish Geographical Society's Inspiring People events.
READ MOREStirling Council is asking residents, businesses, and visitors for their thoughts and ideas on the potential for a visitor levy in Stirling at this drop-in event at the Albert Halls on 14th March.
READ MOREAlloa Women's Festival, in celebration of International Women's Day, returns to Alloa Town Hall on Saturday 15th March!
READ MOREDr Murray Cook gives this talk on the medieval cross slab discovered near Doune in 2020.
READ MOREJoin Waterstones Stirling at Dunblane Library on 15th April, where we are delighted to be hosting best selling Scottish author Jess Smith who will be discussing her wonderful new book, Button Bog!
READ MOREWriter Adrian Ross gives this talk on children’s author and broadcaster Lavinia Derwent, who found huge success late in life, with memoirs about growing up on a farm in the Borders.
READ MOREDr Morrison-Low will explore the nineteenth-century photographic collections held by the National Museums of Scotland and the impact photography had on the general public.
READ MORE